Spain’s Stunning Late Victory Sinks Belgium as Mikel Merino once again delivered when it mattered most, scoring a dramatic late winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium and send Spain into the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench to become Spain’s hero for the second consecutive knockout match, setting up a mouth-watering last-four clash with France.
Merino’s decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsí’s powerful long-range effort. The loose ball fell kindly to the Spanish midfielder, who reacted quickest to slot home from close range and spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
The goal continued Merino’s remarkable impact off the bench after he also scored the winner against Portugal in the Round of 16. His latest contribution has now helped Spain reach their first World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010.
Spain made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute. A flowing move involving Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo ended with Olmo’s effort being saved by Thibaut Courtois. However, Fabián Ruiz was perfectly positioned to fire the rebound into the net for his first goal of the tournament.
Belgium responded before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, who ended Spain’s incredible defensive record at this World Cup. The Atalanta forward rose above Pau Cubarsí to head home Timothy Castagne’s inviting cross in the 41st minute, scoring the first goal Spain had conceded after five consecutive clean sheets.
The second half developed into a tense tactical contest, with both teams searching for the breakthrough. Belgium suffered a major setback in the 71st minute when veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with a thigh injury after making several crucial saves. His replacement, Senne Lammens, performed well but could do little to prevent Merino’s dramatic winner late in the match.
Belgium pushed desperately for an equaliser during stoppage time, with Romelu Lukaku leading the attack, but Spain’s defence stood firm. Aymeric Laporte produced a vital clearance to deny Belgium one final opportunity as Luis de la Fuente’s side secured another hard-fought victory.
Young star Lamine Yamal was once again one of Spain’s brightest performers. The Barcelona winger constantly troubled Belgium’s defence with his pace, creativity and intelligent movement, helping create the opening goal and stretching the Belgian backline throughout the contest.
Spain also benefited from another impressive display by Fabián Ruiz, who justified his surprise inclusion in the starting lineup with an energetic midfield performance and the opening goal. Rodri controlled possession in midfield, while Dani Olmo consistently found dangerous pockets of space behind Belgium’s defence.
For Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting lineup and showed flashes of his quality, but injuries to key players proved costly. Captain Youri Tielemans missed the match after suffering an injury during the warm-up, while Courtois’ second-half exit dealt another significant blow to Belgium’s hopes.
The victory extends Spain’s outstanding unbeaten run and reinforces their status as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy. Confidence is growing within the squad as they prepare for a blockbuster semi-final showdown against France, a match many expect to be one of the highlights of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s impressive World Cup campaign comes to an end despite another spirited performance. The Red Devils pushed Spain all the way but were ultimately undone by Merino’s late heroics and Spain’s ability to seize crucial moments.
With another unforgettable contribution from their super substitute, Spain’s Stunning Late Victory Sinks Belgium could prove to be one of the defining moments of Spain’s World Cup campaign. If Merino and his teammates can maintain this level of determination and quality.
Spain’s Stunning Late Victory Sinks Belgium and now Spain has booked a date with France, another favorites of the competition. Who do you think will will the 2026 world cup?